Sixteen ~ The Receiving Line

It’s back! My ABC/123 Wedding Basics video series returns for 2016 with a slightly different look. Episode sixteen is all about the often neglected tradition of The Receiving Line.

I believe weddings have been dumbed down in recent years and many traditions have been forgotten or ignored because people just don’t know what they were for. The Receiving Line is a very good example of this.

A Receiving Line is the “lineup” where everybody files past the Bride and Bridegroom and possibly their parents, on their way into the wedding breakfast. So, here’s the scene …
you’ve had your ceremony and just finished your drinks reception and photo’s. The reality will be that you’ve hardly had a chance to talk to anyone. Most of the previous hour, or so, has been taken up with those very important photos. The Receiving Line gives you an opportunity to speak to all your guests personally and thank them for coming.

This however does have pros and cons, you will be able to welcome everyone but unmanaged this can take up a lot of time. For example, if you have 60 guests and you speak to each of them for just 30 seconds that will take 30 minutes! But don’t panic, this can be managed.

As with everything on your wedding day it’s best to have a plan. The best way is to keep it to a simple thank you with maybe a hug and a kiss. The temptation when talking to friends and family is to have a catch up, but there will be plenty of time for that later.

Now the next question is who should be in the receiving line ? Traditionally it would be first, Parents of the Bride followed by Parents of the Groom, then the Bride & Bridegroom and then possibly the Maid of Honour and Best Man, but at your wedding it’s up to you! If there is space you can also use this time to get photos of the two of you with everyone in small groups and couples.

This period of the day really is a great time to connect with your guests, say thank you, and set up a great Grand Entrance for your Wedding Breakfast.